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Malta has always packed more into its tiny coastline than any other
island. Situated in the very center of the Mediterranean, it boasts
an enviable combination of beautiful scenery, frenetic nightlife,
rich history and a people noted by St. Paul as "unusually friendly."
Malta is a cross between an open air museum and a hedonistic
Mediterranean resort and remains one of the safest English speaking
countries in the world. As a result, its popularity amongst students
and travelers has been growing steadily, but what can one expect
from studying or working on this wonderful island? |
Studying in Malta
In
contrast with the work possibilities, studying in Malta offers a
plethora of choice whether you are considering a language course, or
undergraduate study. Courses are cheap by comparison with the rest
of the EEC, while educational standards are exceptionally high,
especially at the University (www.um.edu.mt),
which is one of the oldest educational establishments in the world.
Learning, European languages or Arabic are the most popular choices,
but there are courses available on everything from medicine to
traditional lace making and handicrafts. Places at the university
are limited, so apply early. Courses are always in English and, with
the exception of law, all courses are recognised internationally.
There are almost 60 language schools on the island. There are
schools in all the major towns. St. Julian's, the nightlife hub, and
Valetta, the UNESCO protected capital city, are the most popular
choices. There are also courses available on the smaller island of
Gozo, which offers a more rustic, sleepy lifestyle by contrast with
the bustle of Malta. Regular ferries connect the two islands. Course
quality is generally high, but some smaller schools in isolated
villages lack the facilities and the buzz of the larger
institutions. It is wise to spend a couple of days assessing schools
in person.
English is spoken by the Maltese tutors with a quirky accent. It is
based firmly on old fashioned, BBC-style English and learning here
offers an alternative to U.S. style courses and pronunciation. For
those traveling or studying, visas are usually not necessary if you
are from a Commonwealth country, the EEC, the U.S. or Japan. There
is a full table of visa exemptions below along with a link to the
Maltese government web site for further information.
